Collapsible center piece



(N o Model.)

0. W. YOUNG. GOLLAPSIBLB CENTER PIECE- No. 463,376. Patented Nov. 17, 1891} WITNES$ESI 4 A Q (La/1AM.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES W; YOUNG, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK.

COLLAPSIBLE CENTER PIECE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 463,376, dated November 1'7, 1891.

Application filed July 11,1891. Serial No. 399,166- (No model.)

' using the goods from the upper half and then reversing it and using from the other half.

My object is to produce a collapsible center piece or partition in a barrel or other receptacle, adapted to be placed in the barrel as it is being filled, and means for supporting the same; and the particular object of my invention is to enable me to use the contents of the barrel down to this center piece and then reverse the barrel and use from the other end.

My invention consists in the several novel features of construction and operation hereinafter described, and which are specifically set forth in the claim hereunto, annexed.

It is constructed as follows, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a vertical section of the barrel provided with my collapsible center, showing the center in cross-section. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the collapsible center detached and provided with means .for securing it in the barrel. Fig. 3 is an edge View thereof with the parts folded at right angles to each other. Fig. 4 is a plan View of the blankbrackets. Figs. 5 and Gare the brackets detached.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention I have applied it to a barrel; but it will be evident that it may be applied to any receptacle having a stiff shell or casing and in which it is desired to use goods from either or both ends.

A is the barrel.

B is my collapsible center, constructed substantially as shown in Fig. 2, having its parts hinged or otherwise loosely secured together centrally.

Care brackets constructed from sheet metal, having the spurs a stamped out of it, and then to the form of .an L, with the spurs standing outward and downward or outward and upward, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. These brackets are then secured upon the center by the vertical spurs, the side spurs being for the purpose of supporting said center from the walls of the receptacle or barrel.

My invention is operated as follows: When the barrel has been partly filled, I take the collapsible center piece and fold it together, and then place it within the barrel. I then unfold it, letting it take the position shown in Fig. 1, and then drive the spurs in the sides of the brackets in to the sides of the barrel, where it is firmly held, after which I complete the filling of the barrel.

It will be seen by this device that in case of a crackerbarrel, for which it was originally designed, the case can-be used down to the center piece and then the barrel reversed and the goods used and taken from the other end, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of reachingto the bottom of the barrel in taking out the last layer of goods.

I am aware that partitions have been heretofore secured in barrels by wedges inserted between the sides of the partitions and the barrel; but that is not my invention, for I employ no wedges or wedging action.

Having described my invention, what I claim is- The combination, with the package, of a partition consisting of sections hinged together andsupporting-brackets secured to the partition and to the vertical walls of the package.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 7th day of July, 1891.

CHARLES W. YOUNG.

In presence of- HOWARD P. DENISON, O. W. SMITH. 

